The 2025 TIPS Forum seeks to deepen understanding of the implications of the AfCFTA and regional integration on industrial development in Southern Africa. Through expanding trade and investment between countries on the continent, the AfCFTA, along with regional integration, opens the opportunity for strengthening industrial development on the continent. There are, however, risks to smaller economies or that circumvention of trade protocols could undermine the intent of the AfCFTA to grow the industrial base across the continent and strengthen economic development. Alignment of industrial policy with the AfCFTA needs to take place.
The Forum will discuss the opportunities and obstacles that arise from the AfCFTA and regional integration in implementing industrial policy and furthering industrial development in Southern Africa. This Forum will have a hybrid format that enables mostly in-person presentations to engage a diverse virtual audience. It will provide a platform for high-level panel discussions between industry, civil society, policymakers and academics.